Gang Profiles

Vicelords

The Vicelords are a Chicago street gang, although they will sometimes claim to be a political organization. They are also referred to as a "Nation of Lords" which are a part of the "People Nation". In theory, they are supposed to get along with Latin Kings and all other People affiliated groups in jail or prison, however at times People will fight People on the streets. "Folk Nations" will also fight other Folks on the street. Vicelord's main rivals are usually Black Gangster Disciples or FOLKS, however, there may be times when they can get along especially if it is just business as in drug transactions. The late 1950’s origins of the Vicelords can be traced to the Chicago area community of Lawndale and a St. Charles youth detention center where the Vicelords idea started.

The first symbol of the Vicelords was the cane and top hat. One of the first sets was the Conservative Vicelords (CVL). There are now at least 19 different factions with names like the Traveling Vicelords, Insane Vicelords, and Unknown Vicelords. In theory, they are supposed to do everything to the left side, but this does not always hold true. Colors are yellow and black. The five point star was also introduced which became a symbol for the People Nation as did the number "5". By the early 1960’s, a sophisticated rank structure was in place, as well as a female faction called the "Vice Ladies". Many of the Vicelords went off to prison and they began to recruit within the Illinois Department of Corrections. By 1965, the gang had grown to approximately 8,000 members.

During the latter part of the 1960’s, the Vicelords began a PR campaign to rid the neighborhood of other undesirables, to literally run the neighborhood. They began to tap into federal dollars by applying and receiving government grants for community help programs in the "War on Poverty". After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in 1968, there were riots in the streets of many inner urban areas. "Burn Baby, Burn!" was the battle cry. People were very angry at the system. A Vicelord who was gained prominence was Willie Lloyd who went on the take over the UVL’s. He was recently released from prison and shot on the streets of Chicago. Vicelords are found sprinkled throughout many parts of the U.S.

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